Bill > SC543

This concurrent resolution celebrates the 40th anniversary of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Southeast Mississippi and designates April 2025 as "Child Abuse Awareness Month" in Mississippi. The resolution highlights CASA's four-decade history of supporting children affected by abuse and neglect in Jackson, George, and Greene Counties, recognizing their significant accomplishments including expanding services, building community partnerships, raising awareness about child abuse, and helping thousands of children find safety and stability. The resolution emphasizes the organization's origins in 1985, when a small group of compassionate individuals in Jackson County created a support system for children in the youth court system, and has since grown into a critical resource for vulnerable children. By honoring CASA's work, the resolution calls attention to the broader community responsibility of protecting children from harm, recognizing the efforts of various professionals who work to prevent child abuse and support traumatized children. The resolution officially commemorates CASA's milestone anniversary and reaffirms the ongoing commitment to ensuring children's safety, well-being, and opportunities for healthy futures.